Special phone to call from Middle East?

[oiprocs]

A friend is going on a trip to the middle east, and he wants to be able to call people in the US on his cell phone. He thinks he can buy a phone card and use it on his cell, but I don't think that is going to work. Your network coverage in the US doesn't move with you over the Atlantic.

I've heard that if you have a "capable" phone, you can buy a SIM card in, say, Dubai, put that card into your phone and you will be able to call the US.

Does any of this make sense?

 

[KLin]

None of it makes sense. Tell him to use Skypeout.

 

[Newbian]

Just tell him not to call you or you will be placed on the watch list for receiving calls from there.

 

[oiprocs]

He's not taking a laptop.

EDIT* Well, he might be, I'm not sure, but let's say that he isn't, or doesn't have access to it.

 

[oiprocs]

Originally posted by: Newbian
Just tell him not to call you or you will be placed on the watch list for receiving calls from there.

LOL

I'll be sure to let him know.

 

[oiprocs]

Ok, well I read that he could unlock his phone, then buy a prepaid SIM card to use.

Guess he'll have to decide to use Skype or unlock his phone.

 

[Eli]

Just have him call his provider, should explain everything.

He will need a new SIM card if his phone uses one, yes.

 

[Crono]

If it's unlocked, he should be able to purchase and pop in a SIM wherever he goes.

 

[jumpr]

He will need 2 things:

A phone that can at least handle GSM 900-1800 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
It will need to be unlocked (contact your provider and tell the rep you're traveling overseas and need an unlock code -- they'll ask for your IMEI and issue you a code to punch in)

Then when he arrives overseas, he'll be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card and pop it into the phone no problem.

EDIT: if he wants to call internationally using a prepaid SIM, it's going to be very expensive (he'll wear down his balance very quickly). Best bet is to use some sort of VoIP service.

 

[Colt45]

unlocked GSM phone, with the right bands (not the ones used in the US, canada) 900/1800. and a local sim.

most gsm phones nowdays except the cheapest have at least 3 bands, and should work

 

[uli2000]

Where is he going? I believe the UAE blocks all voip traffic since the government has a telcom monopoly and doesnt want the competition. So if he's in the UAE, skype is out.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Which country? If he's going to Jordan, tell him to buy a Zain SIM at the airport. In Israel, I prefer Cellcom. Other countries...ask someone else.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

This is the phone I use in Europe. I have had it for 3 years, and it works almost anywhere. It comes with 5 power adapters for the charger. You own the phone for LIFE, no contracts, no limits. no $hit. It is also password protected.

http://www.mobal.com/gsm/hands...9ICi-JYCFQO5GgodA26iXQ

 

[Pepsei]

viopstunt or some sort of 'free' voip service....

 

[amicold]

He just needs a world phone or an unlocked phone he can purchase a prepaid SIM and pop it in.

 

[oiprocs]

He's going to Saudi Arabia.

 

[theflyingpig]

Don't worry, he'll be able to do a one way video chat to friends and family for free once he's kidnapped.